Meteorologists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have issued a serious warning to residents dwelling in the middle Rio Grande Valley, along with those in the Albuquerque metropolitan area, regarding dangerous driving conditions expected due to freezing fog on Friday morning. The phenomenon is particularly concerning for travelers navigating the roads during this hazardous period.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Albuquerque issued a freezing fog advisory in the early hours of Friday morning. This important advisory is set to remain in effect until 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. The freezing fog is a consequence of an early-season winter storm currently impacting the state, which has already buried certain communities under drifts of up to 36 inches of snow. More accumulation is anticipated before the storm begins to finally move out of the region Friday night.
Further to the west, significant dense fog associated with the storm is freezing in various areas, exacerbating the road hazards and contributing to the overall treacherous driving conditions.
“Visibility between one-quarter and one-half mile in freezing fog,” the warning elaborated. “Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Roads may be slick due to a thin layer of ice from the freezing fog, making it perilous for those who venture out.” The advisory serves as a crucial reminder for drivers to exercise caution.
The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) meteorologist Marc Chenard elaborated on the situation when he spoke with Newsweek, explaining that this winter storm is the underlying cause of the fog. He stated, “Fog will typically develop when an abundance of moisture is present near the ground.” However, dry air in the mid to upper levels plays a role in why the region is not experiencing snowfall like areas located further east. “But there’s enough moisture near the surface to get fog,” Chenard further explained.
In addition to the freezing fog advisory, NWS meteorologists at the Albuquerque office issued a winter storm warning and a blizzard warning for northeastern New Mexico. Blizzard conditions are expected to persist until 5 p.m. local time, according to the warning, along with additional snowfall of up to 14 inches anticipated in higher elevation areas.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the warning stated, highlighting the risk posed to travelers. “Some roads may be closed, and major travel delays are possible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, further complicating conditions for all motorists on the road.” Traffic has already been severely impacted, with reports of bumper-to-bumper, standstill conditions on Interstate 40 westbound. A posted update on X, formerly Twitter, from the NWS Albuquerque office indicated that some motorists have become stranded and advised individuals to steer clear of the road if possible.
In addition to causing hazardous travel, the heavy snow also presents a significant risk of power outages across the region. “The weight of wet snow on trees will result in downed branches that can fall on power lines,” the warning cautioned. “Expect scattered power outages and damage to vulnerable structures.” As of Friday morning, nearly 11,000 people in New Mexico were without power, according to poweroutage.us. The most widespread outages were reported in Santa Fe County, underscoring the severe impact of the ongoing winter storm.
**Interview with Meteorologist Marc Chenard from the NWS Weather Prediction Center**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Marc. We’ve received an important advisory from the National Weather Service regarding freezing fog in Albuquerque and the middle Rio Grande Valley. Can you start by explaining what freezing fog is?
**Marc Chenard:** Absolutely! Freezing fog occurs when moisture in the air condenses into tiny water droplets that freeze upon contact with surfaces, creating a thin layer of ice. This can happen when temperatures are at or below the freezing point, and it’s particularly hazardous for drivers.
**Editor:** The advisory mentions visibility dropping to between one-quarter and one-half mile. Why is this low visibility such a major concern for travelers?
**Marc Chenard:** Low visibility significantly increases the risk of accidents. When drivers can’t see far ahead, they may not have enough time to react to obstacles or changes in traffic conditions. Coupled with slick roads due to the freezing fog, it creates a very dangerous driving environment.
**Editor:** You also mentioned that this freezing fog is a result of an early-season winter storm. Can you elaborate on the storm’s impact?
**Marc Chenard:** Yes, this winter storm has brought significant moisture and has affected regions profoundly, including areas where drifts of snow have reached up to 36 inches. The additional moisture in the air, combined with dropping temperatures, contributes to the development of freezing fog.
**Editor:** Given the hazardous conditions, what precautions should drivers take if they must travel during this advisory period?
**Marc Chenard:** First and foremost, it’s best to avoid unnecessary travel if possible. If you must go out, drive slowly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and use your low beams. It’s also wise to check local weather conditions before heading out and stay updated on any changes.
**Editor:** Are there any final thoughts you’d like to share with our viewers regarding this weather situation?
**Marc Chenard:** Just a reminder to take the freezing fog advisory seriously. Conditions can change rapidly, and it’s essential to prioritize safety. Stay alert and respect the warnings from local weather services.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Marc. It’s crucial for our community to stay informed and safe during these winter weather events.
**Marc Chenard:** Thank you for having me! Stay safe out there!
